Vodka

This is a great stomach soothing, anti-viral concoction, perfect to take when you feel like you’re coming down with a cold or bug.

To make the tincture:

Add lemon balm leaves to a jar until about three-quarters filled. Pour in 80 proof or higher alcohol (like vodka) until the jar is filled. Cap with a non-metallic lid and store in a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks, shaking periodically. Strain and store for at least a year.

Adult dose is 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) at a time, as needed. I usually mix with equal parts honey for better patient compliance.

The famous Carmelite Water, first made by 17th century Carmelite nuns was used to treat nervous headache and neuralgia. It combined lemon balm with lemon-peel, nutmeg, coriander and angelica root. Here’s a recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups vodka

3 tablespoons dried angelica leaves, and stalks

3 tablespoons dried lemon balm leaves

1 tablespoon coriander seeds, bruised

1 nutmeg, cut into strips

2 tablespoons cloves

cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

Pour the vodka into a jar. Add the remaining ingredients,cover tightly and shake. Leave in a warm place for three weeks, shaking every day. Strain into a sterilized bottle and store in a cool place. Use within six months.

Put peppermint, ginger and fennel in glass jar and pour over the boiling water until they are just covered. Fill the rest of the jar with vodka and close with air tight lid. Keep in a cool dark place for at least 2-6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain through mesh strainer or cheesecloth and store in dark place in small jars.

For adults up to 1 tsp can be taken straight or in water as needed. For heartburn indigestion or nausea, one dose is usually sufficient, though sometimes a second dose is needed.

In pregnancy, 1/2 tsp in the morning often helps with morning sickness, with additional doses if needed throughout the day.

For children, 10-20 drops is usually enough, or it can be used externally.